Playful Puzzles With Storage

With names like ``Blink'' and ``Thumb Puzzle,'' it's no wonder that the table and cabinet creations by Douglas Homer are fun.

Unlike furniture that just looks pretty, these items are interactive, thanks to the imagination of Homer, a Pennsylvania graphic designer who once worked on the show ``Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.''

Using a series of sliding tiles, Homer designed his ``Thumb Puzzle'' line with sliding, interlocking tiles on the tops of side tables and coffee tables. These can be moved around to form a variety of designs. The tables also offer concealed storage and are made of contemporary combinations of Corian, acrylic and stainless steel.

Remember those little pseudo-holograms that were prizes in cereal boxes and Cracker Jacks? With those in mind, Homer created a playful line of cabinets called ``Blink'' that seem to change colors, patterns and images, depending on where you stand or sit to look at them.

A material called lenticular laminate, most commonly used for display signs, is used in the optical illusion cabinetry, resulting in the ever-changing patterns that seem to be winking at the viewer. The cabinets come in a variety of sizes and colors, including a retro-tinged, striped combination called ``tutti-frutti.''

They also do their part around the house with full-extension drawers, closed storage shelves and open slots to store magazines, mail, books and newspapers.

You can see the pieces online at www.douglashomer.com/homer.html. Costs range up to $2,300 for ready-made pieces. Custom work is also available by calling Homer's studio at 610-873-3795.